• What Does it Mean to be Coachable? With Orby Orta
    Jul 11 2024

    Your perfect style awaits, with Slick Hair Company! Visit slickhaircompany.com/thecheermomblog and use code THECHEERMOMBLOG for 10% off!

    This episode features Coach Orby Orta from the California All Stars, discussing his approach to coaching, and what it means to be coachable; not just for athletes, but for parents and COACHES as well.

    Coach Orby shares insights on effective coaching styles, the value of establishing strong relationships with athletes, and how to adapt coaching methods to meet the evolving needs of today's athletes. He also touches on parental involvement, addressing common issues such as setting realistic expectations and the importance of parent-coach communication.

    The discussion underscores the significance of trust, innovation, and love for the sport in building successful and cohesive cheer teams. It's no wonder Orby has coached so many successful teams and athletes!

    Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:
    04:54 Guest Introduction: Coach Orbie Orta
    08:06 Coach Orbie's Journey in Cheerleading
    09:11 The Importance of Passion in Coaching
    10:47 Training and Creativity in Cheerleading
    17:28 Balancing Coaching Styles and Personal Relationships
    20:15 Building Relationships with Athletes
    26:55 Addressing Toxic Coaching Cultures
    29:52 The Importance of Being Coachable
    32:38 Parental Influence on Athlete Development
    40:24 Transitioning Athletes to New Coaching Styles
    46:41 The Value of Building Relationships with Parents

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    55 mins
  • The Legal Saga Continues as Monica Aldama Files a Lawsuit Against USA Cheer
    Jul 6 2024

    CONTENT AND TRIGGER WARNING This episode contains subject matter that may trigger some. Please take care while listening.

    The battle between Monica Aldama and USA Cheer continues as Monica calls the organization out for keeping her on the suspended list, costing her business deals and her reputation. Monica also names Madi Lane in the lawsuit and gives her account of what happened after an event that occurred in September of 2021, which is described in Madi Lane's original lawsuit against former athlete Salvo Amico, Coach Monica, and other Navarro College officials.

    This episode carefully navigates the lawsuit, detailing the accusations, responses, and impacts on Monica's personal life and career.

    I've covered this saga in multiple previous episodes, which are linked below.

    Wanna jump around? Here are some key details:

    04:11 Recap of the Lawsuit Against Coach Monica Aldama
    05:15 Understanding Lawsuits and Allegations
    09:41 Coach Monica's Response
    11:28 Details of the Lawsuit
    32:59 Monica's Emotional Struggle
    33:22 USA Cheer Suspension
    36:52 Accusations against Safe Sport and USA Cheer
    41:18 Describing Varsity Brands as a Monopoly
    48:01 Monica's Allegations and Damages
    56:08 Conclusion and Reflections

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tXeUGCCgUlKgKcKpufVY-wpVEwiPE4Yj/view

    https://bleav.com/shows/the-cheer-mom-podcast/episodes/coach-monicas-beef-with-usa-cheer/

    https://bleav.com/shows/the-cheer-mom-podcast/episodes/updates-on-varsity-law-suits-coach-monica-and-is-nca-getting-a-new-home/

    https://bleav.com/shows/the-cheer-mom-podcast/episodes/navarro-cheer-bombshell/

    Link to law suit brought against Monica Aldama

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Are Private Lessons REALLY worth it?
    Jul 4 2024

    Your perfect style awaits, with Slick Hair Company! Visit slickhaircompany.com/thecheermomblog and use code THECHEERMOMBLOG for 10% off!

    "WHY do I need to sign her up for private lessons? Cheer is already expensive enough!" That was my mindset as a new cheer mom. I wasn't wrong, and if you are thinking the same thing you're not wrong either. Then I started to look into private lessons and learned a few things. I'm sharing my thoughts as a 12-year veteran cheer mom now!

    Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:
    14:19 The Value of Personalized Coaching
    18:16 The Importance of Private Lessons
    19:19 Types of Private Lessons
    20:49 Building Athlete-Coach Relationships
    22:22 Dealing with Different Coaching Styles
    25:31 Choosing the Right Coach
    27:48 Parental Involvement in Private Lessons
    30:14 Cost-Effective Alternatives to Private Lessons
    34:14 Strength and Conditioning Tips
    36:23 Improving Stunting Skills

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    40 mins
  • Addressing Toxic Cultures in Cheer, with Jeff Benson
    Jun 20 2024

    Toxic cultures in cheer exist. The stories I've heard from so many of you are heartbreaking, and the language and styles that some coaches and owners are using are unacceptable. I am outraged on your behalf.

    So, I called Jeff Benson, who is an expert on communication and developing a healthy mindset and culture specifically in cheer.

    Jeff explains what it means to be psychologically safe and provides insights and practical tools for parents and coaches to foster healthier environments. The discussion covers the importance of a growth mindset, effective communication strategies, and the role of parents in recognizing and addressing toxic behaviors. Jeff emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach to creating champion-minded cultures in cheer gyms.

    Connect with Jeff:

    Instagram

    Facebook

    YouTube

    Mentioned in this episode (some links may be affiliate links, which means I get a small portion of your purchase, which helps the podcast!):

    Join me at The Cheer Collection's Premiere Party in Dallas!

    Crucial Conversations book

    Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights in the episode:

    15:44 Tackling Toxic Traits in Coaching
    38:19 Understanding Emotions: The Stoplight Metaphor
    38:49 Handling Red Light Emotions
    39:39 Gathering Information and Addressing Concerns
    41:51 Psychological Safety and Emotional Regulation
    45:48 Toxic Culture and Fixed Mindset
    49:50 Effective Communication
    01:00:03 Balancing Values: Winning vs. Well-being
    01:13:50 Champion Minded Culture: Tools and Resources
    01:18:58 Changing the Culture of Cheer

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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • The One Where I'm the Guest
    Jun 12 2024

    I had an engaging conversation with fellow Cheer Mom, Heather, who asked me some insightful questions. We talk about the importance of family focus, effective communication, and maintaining boundaries to keep young athletes grounded. Listen to my personal stories and a little bit of "tea" on the time I lied to my kid right before a competition!

    Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:

    05:43 Challenges and Surprises of Cheer Parenting
    15:17 Balancing Cheer and Family Values
    24:48 What's next for me?

    Join me in Dallas, Texas on July 18th for a very special event! Find out more here.

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    29 mins
  • Being on the Business Side of Cheer AND Being a Cheer Mom at the Same Time, with Candice from No Limit
    Jun 5 2024

    I had an insightful conversation with my friend Candice from No Limit, Live from the All Star World Championship in Orlando. We talk for a few minutes about the evolution of cheer shoes, but then we dive into balancing being a cheer mom and a cheer business woman. The episode also highlights the what a big crush we both have on TGLC, upcoming events, and mentorship opportunities within the cheer industry.

    Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights from this episode:

    08:52 The Importance of Cheer Shoes
    14:54 Balancing Business and Cheer Mom Life
    18:54 Building Trust in the Cheer Community
    22:50 Flight Crew and Mentorship Program
    25:56 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

    Join me at the Premiere Party, hosted by The Cheer Collection! Buy your tickets here: https://thecheercollection.com/premiere-party

    For more information about No Limit, visit www.nolimitsportswear.com

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    27 mins
  • Questions to Ask Before Committing Your Athlete to Being a Crossover
    May 31 2024

    I was nominated for a Globey Award! Vote for me here.

    Mentioned in this episode:

    https://thecheermomblog.com/cheer-team-crossovers-is-it-worth-it/

    In my opinion, there are at least 6 questions you need to ask in order to ensure a smooth decision-making process when it comes to cheer crossovers, and I'm going through all of them.

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    27 mins
  • Coaching and Competing: Perspectives from D2 Gym Owners
    May 24 2024

    Special guests Maggie and Stephen from Flyer Athletics, Tyler, Texas, join in to share their experiences of running a D2 gym. They talk about the intense competition they crave, their gym's culture, and the balance between pushing athletes and nurturing their skills. With stories about community-building and the emotional rollercoaster of team placements (even for the coaches!), this episode offers an insightful look into the world of competitive cheerleading from a D2 perspective.

    Purchase The Cheer Dad Survival Guide

    Follow Coach Maggie

    Follow Coach Stephen

    Learn more about the Premiere Party this summer!!!

    Wanna jump around? Here are some notable moments in this episode:

    07:15 The Journey of Flyer Athletics: From Cheer to Entrepreneurship

    11:53 Choosing the All Star World Championship: A D2 Gym's Perspective

    16:55 Setting High Standards in a Small Gym

    20:48 Competing with Pride

    22:36 Fostering a Competitive Edge and Community Support

    23:14 Embracing the D2 Identity: More Than Just a Number

    24:31 Navigating Athlete Loyalty and Gym Culture

    27:56 Setting High Standards and Encouraging Growth

    34:47 The Complex Puzzle of Team Selection

    38:52 Balancing Encouragement and Realism in Coaching

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    43 mins